Children's Education

More than anything else, students at the Karp Family Hebrew School at Mishkan Torah develop a joyful, profound, and long-lasting connection to their Jewish community.  The school is a place where children learn to embrace the diversity that has been the history of the Jewish people; a place where it is recognized that there are so many different ways to be Jewish.   Through the arts, text study, and hands-on learning, students experience a wide range of what Judaism has to offer. They benefit from a wonderful classroom space, small class sizes, and committed teachers who are not just "hired help".  The well-rounded curriculum includes:            

Interfaith Families are welcome and numerous at the Karp Family School.

The following classes and regular activities will be offered in 2024-2025:

Monthly playgroup: Aimed at kids 0-2 years old and their parents. Meets from 10-12 on Sundays (Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, April 6, and May 4). We provide a welcoming space with age-appropriate toys, snacks for the kids, bagels and coffee for the adults, and casual story time if the kids are up for it. Free, no registration required.

Torah for Tots: Aimed at preschool age kids. Meets on the same Sundays as the playgroup, from 10-10:45. Taught by Phyllis Oresky. Includes singing, story time, crafts, and a snack. Free, but registration is strongly encouraged. To register, please email ChildrensEd@Mishkantorah.org.

Kindergarten/1 st grade Hebrew School Class: Every Sunday starting September 8, 10:00-11:15 AM. Taught by Cantor Yael Fischman, this class focuses on building friendships and a positive Jewish identity by learning about Jewish foods, holidays, songs, and traditions in a fun, informal setting. Some basic Hebrew language skills will also be introduced. The last 15 minutes overlaps with the older Hebrew school class and allows kids of all ages to socialize and have a snack together. Free, but registration is required. Email ChildrensEd@MishkanTorah.org for more information or to register.

Older Elementary School/Middle School Class: Every Sunday starting September 8, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. Taught by Cantor Yael Fischman. The first fifteen minutes provide snack and social time with the younger kids, followed by a class focusing on Hebrew language, prayers, songs, holidays and traditions and Jewish values and ethics. Arts and crafts and outdoor activities are incorporated frequently. For those wanting more Hebrew language instruction, free tutoring is available after school via Zoom from Morah Sonya Knee. Tuition is free for the first year, and very affordable ($525/year) after that. Registration is required. Please contact ChildrensEd@MishkanTorah.org to register or with any questions.

Back to School Pool Party – Ellen Linson Splash Park, Aug. 25, 12-3 PM

Join us for a fun, casual hangout at the pool! We will be meeting at Ellen Linson Splash Park in College Park during the 12-3 PM swim session. Everyone is responsible for paying their own admission, which you can do in advance on the websit, or at the gate. We will have the Mishkan Torah banner up to indicate where we are, and we will provide snacks and drinks for everyone. RSVP appreciated but not required to ChildrensEd@MishkanTorah.org .

Holiday Services and Activities for Kids and Families

We offer family services and activities for Jewish holidays throughout the year. Here’s what we have planned for the High Holidays in 2024:

Rosh Hashanah: Family services led by Karen Knee from 10:30-12:00 on both the first and second day (Thursday Oct. 3 and Friday Oct. 4). The first part of family services will be a short, interactive prayer service that kids and their parents can participate in together. This will last about 45 minutes. After that, we will have snacks, crafts, and holiday-themed activities for the kids, providing parents with some time to enjoy the adult services upstairs. RSVP is not required, but it is helpful to know how many people will be coming each day, so please email ChildrensEd@MishkanTorah.org to let us know.

Yom Kippur: Family services led by Avi Freidman and Sylvia Jacobson from 10:30-12:00.  

There will be a short, participatory prayer service, holiday-themed activities and crafts, outdoor time if the weather is nice, and snacks for the kids. RSVP is not required, but it is helpful to know how many people will be coming each day, so please email ChildrensEd@MishkanTorah.org to let us know.

Activities for Sukkot and beyond TBD – please check back as the date gets closer!